I realize this is a very basic question.

I looked at the butt cap and it has a hole to ream the handle and it also has a plug for the reamed hole.

My question, is it better to shape the plug to fit the hole in the cap or shape the hole to plug?

I hope that makes sense.

Thanks so much,

Jason Sullivan

Ream the handle to fit the blank leaving 1/4 to a bit more of the grip hanging out past the blank's butt, than just plug the hole and push it in. If the plug doesn't slip fit in before you install than cut some of the bottom so the tapered larger diameter can go in the hole till you get a snug fit than glue everything up.

Could not have said it better myself. The only time i have trouble fitting the plug that comes with the kit is on very small diameter rods such as a trout or panfish rod. Just sand the cork plug down to the final size and glue.

PS - Use pressure on the plug and keep pressure on it longer than expected . . . the plugs are harder material than natural cork and will pop out at the worst time.

Here is another recent topic about this

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Jason, I don't use the plug. I mix some 5 minute epoxy wtih the same cork shavings that were reamed/drilled out. Make a slurry type paste and fill the hole in with the paste. When dry, touch it with a belt sander for a flush flat appearance. You can see the ring of the blank also, which in my opinion, looks pretty cool.
Buzz